Economic and Community Development

Navigating the ARPA: A Series for Tribal Nations. Episode 1: How Tribal Governments Can and Can't use ARPA

Year

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides the largest single infusion of federal funding into Indian Country in the history of the United States. More than $32 billion is directed toward assisting American Indian nations and communities as they work to end and recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic – which was made worse in Indian Country precisely because such funding has been so long overdue. From setting tribal priorities, to building infrastructure, to managing and sustaining projects, ARPA presents an unprecedented opportunity for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use their rights of sovereignty and self-government to strengthen their communities. As the tribes take on the challenges presented by the Act, the Ash Center’s Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development presents a series designed to assist tribes, to help tribes learn from each other and from a wide array of guest experts.

This first session, titled “How Tribal Governments Can and Can’t use ARPA” will feature:

  • Joseph P. Kalt, Ford Foundation Professor (Emeritus) of International Political Economy & Co-Director, Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development
  • Del Laverdure, Attorney and Former Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior
  • Burton Warrington, President, Indian Ave Group Jennifer Weddle HLS 2000, J.D., Principal Shareholder, Co-Chair American Indian Law Practice Group, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
  • Andy Werk, Jr., President, Fort Belknap Indian Community
  • Moderated by Karen Diver HKS 2003, M.P.A., Board of Governors, Honoring Nations, Harvard Project

Presentation slides:  Setting the Table  |  Fiscal Recovery Fund Overview  |  ARPA Eligible Uses

Navigating the ARPA: A Series for Tribal Nations. Episode 2: How Tribes Can Avoid Leaving $12 Billion on the Table

Year

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides the largest single infusion of federal funding into Indian Country in the history of the United States. More than $32 billion is directed toward assisting American Indian nations and communities as they work to end and recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic – which was made worse in Indian Country precisely because such funding has been so long overdue. From setting tribal priorities, to building infrastructure, to managing and sustaining projects, ARPA presents an unprecedented opportunity for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use their rights of sovereignty and self-government to strengthen their communities. As the tribes take on the challenges presented by the Act, the Ash Center’s Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development presents a series designed to assist tribes, to help tribes learn from each other and from a wide array of guest experts.

This second session, titled “Where Other ARPA Monies Live -- How to Avoid Tribes Leaving $12 Billion on the Table” will feature a range of experts including:

  • Stacey Ecoffey, Principal Advisor for Tribal Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • Heather Dawn Thompson, HLS 2000, J.D, Director of the Office of Tribal Relations, USDA Burton Warrington, President, Indian Ave Group
  • Moderated by Karen Diver HKS 2003, M.P.A., Board of Governors, Honoring Nations, Harvard Project

Presentation slides:  ARPA Breakdown by Department, Agency   |   U.S. Treasury Deadline Update   |   USDA farmers.gov

Navigating the ARPA: A Series for Tribal Nations. Episode 4: Strategic Planning and Implementation: How to Pick the Winners and Help Your Tribe

Year

From setting tribal priorities, to building infrastructure, to managing and sustaining projects, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) presents an unprecedented opportunity for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use their rights of sovereignty and self-government to strengthen their communities. As the tribes take on the challenges presented by the Act, the Ash Center’s Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development is hosting a series designed to assist tribes, to help tribes learn from each other and from a wide array of guest experts. Where do you want to see your nation in 100 years? What decisions in the short and long term will help you achieve this vision? In this session, the fourth in the series, we’ll look at strategic decision making and the value of long-term planning, investing in human capital, data collection, and how incremental implementation can strengthen your tribe into the future. Each panelist presentation will be followed by a brief Q+A session to maximize the opportunities for audience participation. This session, titled "Strategic Planning and Implementation – How to Pick the Winners and Help Your Tribe" will feature:

  • Cheryl Andrews-Maltais (Aquinnah), Chairwoman, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah
  • Patricia Riggs (Tigua), Indigenous Consultant
  • Joan Timeche (Hopi), Executive Director, Native Nations Institute University of Arizona
  • Amy Besaw Medford (Brothertown Indian) Moderator, HGSE 2002, Ed.M., Research Affiliate, Harvard Project

Presentation slides:  Strategic Project Selection & Implementation   |   Individual Relief Sources   |   U.S. Treasury Deadline Update

Navigating the ARPA: A Series for Tribal Nations. Episode 5: Investing in Your Tribes' Behavioral Health

Year

From setting tribal priorities, to building infrastructure, to managing and sustaining projects, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) presents an unprecedented opportunity for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use their rights of sovereignty and self-government to strengthen their communities. As the tribes take on the challenges presented by the Act, the Ash Center’s Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development is hosting a series designed to assist tribes, to help tribes learn from each other and from a wide array of guest experts. During this session, the fifth in the series, following a round of discussion between the panelists a brief Q+A session will be held to maximize the opportunities for audience participation. This session, titled "Investing In Your Tribes’ Behavioral Health" will feature:

  • Stacy Bohlen (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), CEO, National Indian Health Board
  • Del Laverdure (Crow Nation), Attorney, Former Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Department of Interior
  • Lynn Malerba (Mohegan Tribe), Lifetime Chief, Mohegan Tribe
  • Moderated by Karen Diver (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), HKS MPA 2003, Board of Governors, Honoring Nations, Harvard Project

Presentation slides:  Mental and Behavioral Health

Navigating the ARPA: A Series for Tribal Nations. Episode 6: Investing in Your Tribes' Infrastructure

Year

From setting tribal priorities, to building infrastructure, to managing and sustaining projects, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) presents an unprecedented opportunity for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use their rights of sovereignty and self-government to strengthen their communities. As the tribes take on the challenges presented by the Act, the Ash Center’s Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development is hosting a series designed to assist tribes, to help tribes learn from each other and from a wide array of guest experts. During this session, the sixth in the series, following a round of discussion between the panelists a brief Q+A session will be held to maximize the opportunities for audience participation.

This session, titled "Investing in Your Tribes’ Infrastructure" will feature:

  • Lael Echo-Hawk (Pawnee Nation), Principal, MThirtySix, PLLC
  • Wendy Helgemo (Ho-Chunk Nation), Senior Legislative Attorney, Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP
  • Joe Valandra (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), Executive Director, Native American Contractors Association
  • Moderated by Karen Diver (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), HKS MPA 2003, Board of Governors, Honoring Nations, Harvard Project

Presentation slides:  Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act   |   Additional Resources

Navigating the ARPA: A Series for Tribal Nations. Episode 7: Direct Relief for Tribal Citizens: Getting beyond Per Caps

Year

From setting tribal priorities to building infrastructure to managing and sustaining projects, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) presents an unprecedented opportunity for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use their rights of sovereignty and self-government to strengthen their communities. As the tribes take on the challenges presented by the Act, the Ash Center’s Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development is hosting a series designed to assist tribes, to help tribes learn from each other and from a wide array of guest experts.

During this session, the seventh in the series, following a round of discussion between the panelists, a brief Q+A session will be held to maximize the opportunities for audience participation. This session, titled "Direct Relief for Tribal Citizens: Getting beyond Per Caps" will feature:

  • Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
  • Cathy Chavers, Chairwoman, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
  • Miriam Jorgensen, HKS 1991 MPP 2000 PhD, Research Director, Native Nations Institute, University of Arizona
  • Kevin Killer, President, Oglala Sioux Tribe
  • Karen Diver, Moderator, HKS 2003 MPA, Board of Governors, Honoring Nations, Harvard Project

Presentation slides:  Strategic Dimensions of Revenue Distribution   |   Additional Resources

Business Enterprises Toolbox

Year

What do successful businesses and economic development look like in a Native nation? Find out with case studies and research reports on successful and awarded efforts from around the world. Understand how to build and implement business codes, launch your own Limited Liability Company (LLC) and a Federally-Chartered Section 17 Corporation. Read step-by-step examples of codes, charters and by-laws that various Native nations have used to structure their businesses. Explore the breadth and diversity of award winning and internationally recognized programs built and managed by Native nations. Bring lessons to life with beautiful and innovative examples curated through Google Cultural Institute online exhibits. This easy-to-use tool supplies narrated videos, viewing notes, maps, and carefully selected online exhibitions to share the stories of successful business enterprise and programs.

Resource Type
Citation

Business Enterprises Toolbox. 2020. The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development and Native Nations Institute. https://sites.google.com/view/businessenterprisestoolbox. The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development. Retrieved on March 14, 2023.

Economic Development Corporation: Ho-Chunk, Inc. Winnebego Tribe of Nebraska

Year

Chartered under the laws of the Winnebago Tribe and wholly owned by the Tribe, Ho-Chunk, Inc. was launched in 1994 to diversify the Tribe’s business interests while maintaining a separation between business and tribal government. The general purpose company promotes economic self-sufficiency and creates jobs through its actively managed enterprises, joint ventures and passive investments, which include hotels, convenience stores, websites and an order fulfillment center.

Native Nations
Resource Type
Citation

"Economic Development Corporation: Ho-Chunk, Inc. Winnebego Tribe of Nebraska ." Honoring Nations: 2000 Honoree. Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Cambridge, Massachusetts. 2000. Report.

Model Tribal Secured Transactions Act

Year

The Model Tribal Secured Transactions Act (MTSTA) is based on the Uniform Commercial Code's (UCC) Article 9 and provides a legal framework for promotion of private business via secured transactions. A secured transaction occurs when a loan is issued and personal property, not real estate, is used as collateral.  The MTSTA is an important and infuential piece of legislation which supports the growth of entrepreneurship by providing an effective method for financing and securing business transactions.

Citation

National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (2005).  Model Tribal Secured Transactions Act. National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Chicago, IL.

Implementation Guide and Commentary to the Model Tribal Secured Transactions Act

Year

This Implementation Guide and Commentary to the Model Tribal Secured Transactions Act (hereinafter “Act” or “MTA”) drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (“NCCUSL”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis was developed for three purposes: (1) to assist tribal legislatures in their review, adaptation and enactment of the Act; (2) to facilitate the use and understanding of the Act by tribal judges, legal counsel and individuals promoting business development in Indian Country; and (3) to assist non-tribal lenders and businesses in understanding the similarities and differences between the Act and corresponding provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”).

The Act is derived in large part from Revised Article 9 of the UCC1 as well as some sections of UCC Articles 1, 2 and 8 to ensure a material degree of harmonization between the law of different tribes, and between tribes and states. In order to accommodate tribal business, legal and cultural environments, the Act differs from UCC Article 9 in a number of respects. However, the core principles, terminology and processes that inform the Act are sufficiently similar to the UCC to ensure that tribal and non-tribal practitioners will feel at ease working within both tribal and state jurisdictions.

Section I of this Implementation Guide discusses secured transactions law generally, and provides background about the NCCUSL Model Tribal Secured Transactions Act initiative. Section II contains a list of special considerations and recommendations for tribal legislatures, tribal courts and legal practitioners, including section subheadings and numbering; the use of references to the Official Text and Commentary of the UCC and other state law; other tribal laws to be considered when adopting the Act, and the role of tribal customs and traditions. Section III contains a section-by-section commentary of the Act’s provisions. Section IV discusses filing systems and options for tribes to consider. Section V discusses the importance of making tribal laws and court decisions readily accessible to the public. Section VI contains suggestions for transitional rules, including options depending on the tribal jurisdiction’s current laws. Finally, Section VII contains a model joint powers filing system agreement, and a model tribal filing system regulation.

Native Nations
Citation

National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (2005). Implementation Guide and Commentary to the Model Tribal Secured Transactions Act. National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Chicago, IL.